The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C8 has finally arrived in the UK in right-hand drive, which already feels like a novelty. I expected a wild, raw V8 performance car that would shout its way down country lanes. Instead, I found something far more relaxed. This Stingray behaves more like a grand tourer than the track-hungry Corvettes of old.
Still, it turns heads everywhere, and it isn’t short of power, but the driving character caught me off guard. Some drivers will love the GT-like feel. Others, however, may want more theatre from a 6.2-litre V8 engine. Is it worth the £100,000 price tag, or should you buy a Ford Mustang V8 or Porsche 911 Carrera instead?
Pros
- Great ride quality
- Smooth tranmission
- Quiet cabin
Cons
- Feels tame
- Early gear shifts
- Convertible hides engine
2025 Corvette Stingray First Impressions
Key Features
- low, aggressive stance
- Sculpted air intakes
- Sporty spoiler
- Twin exhaust outlets
- Quick-retract roof
The new RHD Corvette Stingray looks incredible in person. Low, wide and dramatic, the stance feels aggressive without being impractical on UK roads. That said, it sits lower than most sports cars, making the front lift system essential for large speed bumps.
The styling still has that classic American muscle confidence, yet it feels modern and clean. However, the sexy convertible spec has one major issue – you can’t see the might 6.2L V8 engine in it! Where the coupe proudly displays the engine in the rear, a fixed heat shield in the Corvette convertible separates the engine from the retracting roof, which is a real shame.
Driving Experience
Driving the C8 Corvette Stingray was more pleasant than I expected. In Touring mode, the ride feels compliant and genuinely comfortable, smoothing out most bumps without fuss. Roof down, the cabin stays quiet enough for a phone call. Wind passes cleanly over the car, and refinement remains impressive. It behaves like a relaxed GT car rather than a skittish track weapon.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Performance
| Engine | 6.2L V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch transmission |
| Horsepower | 482 BHP |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-62 MPH | 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 184 MPH |
Acceleration is impressive, although traction struggles at times as the rear wheels fight the torque (Corvettes famously fishtail). The biggest surprise, however, is the engine behaviour. The V8 roars at initial throttle, then shifts at low revs and settles down almost immediately. Even in Sport mode, it refuses to rev high unless you take control with the paddles.
The DCT gearbox is smooth at low speeds and sharp under load, although the shift logic plays things too safe. It is fast but doesn’t feel or sound as dramatic as its engine size suggests. It’s a bit strange, since this is capable of supercar performance.
Fuel Efficiency
I averaged around 15.4 mpg, which is better than the Jaguar F-Type R575 and the Ford Mustang GT, both 5.0L V8s. So, this is respectable for a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8. Efficient gear changes in Touring mode helps a little, although the car stays thirsty no matter how you drive.
Interior and Comfort
The GT2 seats offer great support and stay comfortable on longer drives. Materials mix soft-touch surfaces with carbon fibre and a noticeable amount of plastic when you look closely. Visibility is mostly good from the front, although rear visibility is almost non-existent. Also, the wide rear arches fill the side mirrors, which made my inner child smile more than it bothered me.
Technology and Ease of Use
The infotainment system includes everything you’d expect, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the interface could be improved. The screen sits low and partially behind the wheel, so some icons take effort to reach. Plus, climate controls sit in a long vertical strip. Until you get used to the layout, it’s overwhelming and they’re almost impossible to use on the move unless you memorise the layout. However, there is a handy phone storage slot behind the seats that keeps devices secure and out of sight.
Storage and Boot Space
Well, the Corvette Stingray is a sports car with a mid-engine layout, so that takes up most of the space behind the seats. Technically there is a boot, but it’s small and awkwardly shaped. There’s more usable storage under the bonnet. It’s decent for a sports car, although not generous. You can store a couple of soft bags for weekends away, but little more. Storage inside the cabin is limited too, but it does have that dedicated phone holder and cupholders, which is more than I can say for the seemingly more practical Alpine A290.
How Much Does A Chevrolet Corvette Cost?
Prices for the new Corvette C8 Stingray start from £91,898 in the UK, rising to around £99,898 depending on spec. My test car was a C8 stingray convertible with a few extras which pushed it into six-figure territory. Corvette Z06 models, meanwhile, climb beyond £165k.
Should You Buy A Chevrolet Corvette Stingray?
I’m thrilled to see this iconic American muscle car finally offered in RHD for the UK, and the Stingray has plenty going for it. It’s comfortable, smooth and easy to live with, which makes it an unusual but enjoyable GT car. However, the experience left me wanting more drama from that big V8. Maybe I’ve been playing too many sim racing games, but it just didn’t live up to expectations.
At over £100k, I struggled to justify the performance-to-price ratio. A Ford Mustang GT with a V8 engine delivers more theatre for half the money, even if the Chevy Corvette outclasses it in refinement. For similar money, the Lexus LC500 V8 has it cornered, while the Porsche 911 Carrera will suit a lot more people. It’s a cool car, but not the wild V8 experience many buyers will expect.
FAQs
Is the 2025 Corvette Stingray offered in right-hand drive?
Yes, the C8 Corvette Stingray is now available in right-hand drive for the UK in 2025.
How fast is the Corvette Stingray?
Chevrolet claims 0–62 mph in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 184 mph.
How Much Is A Corvette In The UK?
Prices for the Corvette Stingray start from £91,898 in the UK, rising to around £99,898 depending on spec. Z06 models climb beyond £165k.
Where Can I Buy A Corvette In The UK?
You can buy a right-had drive Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in the UK from Arnold Clark, Lumen Automotive, or Grange.